David Michael Long

David Michael Long, age 77, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away at a local hospital on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. David Michael Long was born on October 2, 1946 in Houston, Texas to parents Joseph and Geraldine Long. He was raised in Houston.

To his family he was known as Mike or Uncle Mike. About forty-seven years ago, he picked up a new name, "Uncle Dude." His niece, Denise (Oswald) Hyland's boyfriend at the time, replied to Uncle Mike with a "hey Dude". Uncle Mike turned and said "it's Uncle Dude to you." So Uncle Dude became his name which he embraced. He even used it as his email address.

Mike was proceeded in death by father, Joseph Long, Jr; beloved mother/step-mother, Bernadean Long; mother, Geraldine Long Graves; sisters, Jodine Oswald & husband, Art Jr.; Vella Jean Malek; brother, Joseph Long, III; sister-in-law, Margaret Long; and the love of his life, Mark Bozeman.

Those left to honor Mike's memory are niece, Denise Hyland & husband, Mark; niece, Robin Thames & husband, Kevin; nephew, Art Oswald, III & wife, Karen; nephew, Stewart Oswald, II & wife, Christi; niece, Carmen Vasquez & husband, Anthony; niece, Jamie Villarreal, niece, Jessie Long; nephew, Joseph Long, IV & wife, Gabby; nephew, Jake Long; sister-in-law, Jean Long; and cousin, Dinah Sue Thibodeaux. He is also survived by great nieces and nephews, Tanya, Shawn & wife, Kelli, Jennifer & husband, Matthew, Kendall, Geoffrey & wife, Melody, Amanda & fiancé, Reagan, Collin, Stewart, III "Triple," Austin, Jackson, Tristan, Kinley, Joseph, V, Bella, Haven and Sam, as well as many great-great nieces and nephews, Grayson, Beckett, Brazos, Katy, Ethan, Wesley, Nolan, Whitley, and Elizabeth.

Before moving to Georgia, Mike lived in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Gonzalez, Louisiana where he fell in love with all things Mardi Gras.

At his death, he worked as an IT Support/Service rep for a financial company in Atlanta, Georgia where his friends and co-workers knew him as David. He had other jobs; U.S. Navy, long shoreman, hotel manager, bar owner and IT customer support for a hotel company.

David was full of love for Christmas and even played Santa at a few Christmas gatherings. He loved to pass out small candy canes to children he met. He made Christmas wreaths and put together Christmas stockings for co-workers' children and grandchildren.

A graveside service to honor David's life will be held 10 A.M., Monday, December 11, 2023 at Parker Cemetery in the Jones Schoolhouse Community of Houston County, Texas. Bro. Johnny Veretto will officiate the service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.